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AECO conference hones in on technology and supporting science

Increased local value in Arctic communities, technology for the environment's sake and supporting Arctic research were among the main topics discussed at the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators’ 20th Arctic Cruise Conference.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

November 9, 2023

3 Min Read
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AECO’s Arctic Cruise Conference involved, for the first time, a ‘Meet the Destinations’ dayPHOTO: AECO

Christopher Gerlach, manager, tourism development, government of Nunavut, believes AECO operators are doing well in communicating with communities, which he described as the most important element to sustainable tourism, together with bringing economic income to the communities. 

MOU signing

AECO and several stakeholders for the Joint Arctic Destination Arena (JADA) project signed a memorandum of understanding evidencing the will for closer collaboration on bringing economic advantages. 

‘Cruise tourism can have a very good impact on the sustainability of the economy in Icelandic areas, if it is used right,’ stated Visit West Iceland’s Dagbjört Dúna Rúnarsdóttir, who was among the stakeholders to sign the agreement. ‘AECO’s members have a great interest in communicating with our locals and that is very important for us.’ 

Future technology

Part of the conference was dedicated to future technology and how it can support efforts to be more sustainable. ‘There is a shift in how the industry works with sustainability, mainly driven by the International Maritime Organization and the European Union towards emission reduction and enhanced efficiency,’ asserted William Bennett, director, marine operations, Quark Expeditions, in a panel discussion on the subject. ‘This will shortly hit our bottom lines if we don’t start innovating aggressively,’ 

He went on to say that the industry will ‘adapt,’ noting that non-compliance with regulations ‘affects our reputation and will cost operators heavily.’ 

Solar and wind energy, alternative fuels, big data and artificial intelligence were among the technologies discussed. 

Research efforts

Another way that operators can contribute to sustainability efforts is by being a player in the field of science and research, according to discussions at the conference. 

Wassim Daoud, head of CSR and sustainability, Ponant, revealed that last year the line hosted 70 scientists onboard working on 23 different projects. He explained that, for Ponant, science is a pillar for innovation and sustainability. Daoud went on to say that Ponant’s science program focuses on data collection, taking scientists aboard the ship and citizen science. 

Meet the Destinations 

‘Being an AECO member is a seal of quality in the industry,’ said Frigg Jørgensen, AECO’s executive director.

AECO has grown from eight founding members in 2003 to over 70 and is now involved in working with local communities, authorities, researchers, and other stakeholders throughout the Arctic.

A ‘Meet the Destinations’ day was dedicated to making the industry more focused on local value creation. Operators and local stakeholders came together to share lessons learned for a better understanding of each other’s needs, followed by the opportunity to network, and showcase products at the first ever AECO ‘Market Place.’ 

Search and rescue also came up with Jay Collins, maritime search and rescue superintendent of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic region, speaking about the importance of cooperation and exercises in the North: ‘We need to have all the stakeholders at the table to get an accurate presentation and picture of what search and rescue means and how to best respond to incidents in the Arctic.’

Predictions

The conference closed with a panel of members from AECO’s executive committee imagining the industry in 2043. ‘In 20 years, AECO’s secretariat will be double the size, have increased its regional presence and increased cooperation with stakeholders,’ predicted Karin Strand, chair of the EC.

‘Perhaps authorities who recognize AECO’s high standards and the members’ commitment to AECO’s operational guidelines and obligations will require that all operators in Arctic waters are either a member of – or in good standing with – AECO,’ Peter Garapick, member of the EC,  concluded.

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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